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What's New
Obama Administration Awards $1.4 billion in Homeless Renewal Grants
The Obama Administration today announced that the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is renewing grant funding needed to keep thousands of local homeless assistance programs operating. HUD Secretary Shaun Donovan said a total of nearly $1.4 billion will help an unprecedented 6,400 programs to continue offering critically needed housing and services to homeless persons and families.
The grants announced today are being awarded through HUD's Continuum of Care programs. For the first time ever, HUD is quickly providing renewal grants to local programs to prevent any interruption in federal assistance and will announce funding to new projects in early 2010. For a local summary of the grants announced today, visit HUD's website.
Influenza A H1N1 (Swine Flu) Pandemic Planning for Agencies within Continuums of Care
The following resources are intended to provide guidance to Continuums of Care (CoC) and their homeless service providers (i.e., emergency shelters, transitional and permanent housing providers, etc.) as needed. CoCs should also contact their State and local public health departments or visit the Center for Disease Control at www.cdc.gov for more information.
• CDC Guidance for Emergency Shelters for the 2009-2010 Flu Season. This document provides interim guidance specific for U.S.-based emergency shelters used by displaced persons during a natural or man-made disaster during the 2009-2010 influenza (“flu”) season. This document provides guidance to reduce the risk of introducing and transmitting both seasonal and 2009 H1N1 flu in these settings. Recommendations may need to be revised as more information becomes available.
• The National Health Care for the Homeless Council. This website has a variety of resources for homeless shelters and homeless service providers.
• An Influenza Pandemic Planning Guide for Homeless & Housing Service Providers, Seattle-King County, WA, 12/06 An Influenza Pandemic Planning Guide for Homeless and Housing Service Providers (PDF).
HPRP Staff Affidavit
The Staff Affidavit is a new requirement for all households determined to be eligible for HPRP assistance. The Staff Affidavit documents that the HPRP household meets all eligibility criteria for HPRP assistance, certifies that true and complete information was used to determine eligibility, and certifies that no conflict of interest exists related to the provision of HPRP assistance. The Staff Affidavit, linked to below, is a required form and subject to review by HUD.
An Introductory Guide to the AHAR and AHAR FAQs
"An Introductory Guide to the Annual Homeless Assessment Report" provides background information and guidance on the AHAR. The guide describes the AHAR data reporting requirements and also reviews the data submission process via the AHAR Exchange, a web-based data collection tool designed specifically for the AHAR. The guide is designed primarily for communities that have never participated in the AHAR and wish to learn more about the AHAR process. It can also be used as a reference guide for communities that participated in previous AHARs.
"Annual Homeless Assessment Report: Frequently Asked Questions" provides answers to commonly asked questions about the AHAR process. These FAQs can serve as a useful reference guide during the AHAR data submission process.
HPRP Page Reorganized!
The HPRP Page on the HRE has been redesigned to organize and accommodate the growing number of resources available to assist grantees in implementing programs. When you go to the HPRP quick link page, you will notice that the material is now organized under four tabs: 1) HUD-Issued Guidance; 2) Data Collection and Reporting; 3) Tools and TA Resources; and 4) FAQs and Virtual Help Desk. If you are having difficulty locating a document, please contact us via the HRE Feedback Form and we will be happy to assist.
Technical Correction Posted for 2009 CoC Competition
Since this Technical Correction to the 2009 CoC Homeless Assistance Programs NOFA includes a clarification that impacts the population to be served by projects awarded, the HUD Reform Act requires that the application deadline be not less than 30 days from the date the Technical Correction is published or posted. Additionally, as a result of e-snaps technical issues reported by users through the Virtual Help Desk, HUD believes it is in the best interest of the Department’s customers to extend the application deadline.
The Technical Correction memo (linked to below) details the following changes/clarifications to the 2009 CoC NOFA. Additionally, the 2009 CoC NOFA with redline strikeout is also linked to below which also indicates the corrections that follow.
-CoC application submission deadline moved to Wednesday, November 25, 2009 by 2:00 PM (ET)
-Clarification that persons coming from institutions must be homeless immediately prior to entering a publicly funded institution (including prisons, mental health and hospital facilities) AND that the person must have been a resident of the facility for 90 days or less.
-Removal of form number from Applicant Certification
-Grant awards with 2003 funds must submit all draw requests into LOCCS no later than September 25, 2010
(Both of these documents are also available on grants.gov.)
2009 CoC NOFA Questions and Answers and e-HIC Frequently Asked Questions
To assist 2009 Continuum of Care (CoC) Homeless Assistance applicants, HUD developed a supplementary document to provide responses to frequently asked questions. Additionally, HUD developed an e-HIC Q&A document to help CoCs complete the sections of their Housing Inventory (e-HIC) for Exhibit 1 of the CoC Homeless Assistance Program competition.
HUD encourages all CoCs to review each Q&A document carefully.
Homelessness Pulse Project: Second Quarterly Report
HUD has partnered with 9 Continuums of Care (CoCs) nationwide to collect more timely data on sheltered homelessness. In July 2009, HUD released the First Quarterly Homelessness Pulse Project Report. This report introduced the participating sites, with a brief summary on how they were selected; presented the annual point-in-time (PIT) counts of sheltered and unsheltered homeless individuals and families, gathered in the last week of January 2009; compared these 2009 PIT counts to the 2008 PIT counts for the same CoCs; and examined the quarterly PIT counts collected by the CoCs at the end of March 2009.
HUD is now releasing the Second Quarterly report (access from the link below). This report provides updates to the March 2009 PIT counts reported previously; examines the quarterly PIT counts collected by the CoCs at the end of June 2009 and compares them to the March 2009 counts; presents the first data collected on new clients in the participating CoCs, between March and June 2009; and conveys some qualitative observations from the CoCs.
Directory of Disaster Response and Recovery Resources for CoCs
The Directory of Disaster Response and Recovery Resources is written specifically with the unique strengths and needs of CoCs in mind. The Directory provides CoCs an overview of key disaster planning and preparedness information, an overview of the Federal response and recovery process, an inventory of resources that may be available to aid both CoC organizations and consumers, and also encourages coordination between the CoC and disaster organizations in all phases of disaster management. Highlights for organizations include information on grant re-programming, low interest disaster loans, and public assistance grants for debris removal and rebuilding; highlights for individuals include housing assistance, low interest disaster loans, individual assistance grants that can be used to replace personal property, disaster unemployment, and disaster specific food assistance. Throughout the Directory, readers are encouraged to utilize existing resources such as Information and Referral or 2-1-1, local Offices of Emergency Management/Services, the National and State Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (NVOAD), FEMA, and the new Federal Disaster Assistance Website to stay informed of disaster events and resources.
2009 CoC NOFA and Application Broadcast
On Friday, September 25, HUD delivered a live Webcast on the 2009 Continuum of Care (CoC) Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA). The Webcast includes information on the 2009 CoC NOFA and the e-snaps application process. Programs covered by the NOFA are the Supportive Housing Program, Shelter Plus Care, and the Section 8 Moderate Rehabilitation for Single Room Occupancy program. If you missed the Webcast, you can view it now as well as the presentation slides by clicking on the links below.
(To view the Webcast you may need to download RealPlayer which is available at http://www.hud.gov/webcasts/realinst.cfm.)
- View 2009 Continuum of Care NOFA and Application Webcast
- View 2009 Continuum of Care NOFA and Application Broadcast Presentation Slides (PDF)
HUD e-snaps Training Guide: HPRP Quarterly Performance Reporting (QPR)
HUD developed a training module on the Homelessness Prevention and Rapid Re-Housing Program (HPRP) Initial Performance Report (IPR), Quarterly Performance Report (QPR) and e-snaps that is now available. The training module will review IPR and QPR instructions, as well as the e-snaps registration and the IPR/QPR submission process through e-snaps. This module is intended for HPRP grantee staff responsible for IPR/QPR completion and submission to HUD. Grantees are reminded that the IPR is to be submitted to HUD through e-snaps by October 10, 2009.
Continuum of Care FY2009 Notice of Funding Availability Published in Federal Register
On September 25, 2009, HUD published the FY2009 Continuum of Care (CoC) Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) for Homeless Assistance Grants. It can be found on HUD's website, downloaded from the HUD HRE site, or on the Federal Register web site. The FY 2009 CoC NOFA announces approximately $1.43 billion in funding available for homeless assistance grants across the country.
The CoC application is submitted through the HUD e-snaps system. For additional competition information and e-snaps training resources, go to the e-snaps Training and Resources page.
HPRP IDIS Requirements and Instructions
HPRP grantees use the Integrated Disbursement and Information System (IDIS OnLine) to draw program funds and track expenditures by activity. This document provides instructions for correctly setting up HPRP projects and activities in IDIS. It assumes that readers have a basic understanding of how to navigate the system.
Integrated Disbursement and Information System (IDIS) OnLine Quick Tips User Guide
The Integrated Disbursement and Information System (IDIS) OnLine system is sponsored by the Office of Community Planning and Development (CPD) within the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). IDIS OnLine is a real-time, web-based computer application that provides financial disbursement, tracking, and reporting activities for the CPD formula grant programs. The IDIS Quick Tips User Guide may serve as a helpful introduction to IDIS for grantees that have not used the system (such as some HPRP grantee staff). NOTE: HPRP grantees use IDIS OnLine for drawing funds only.
HPRP Quarterly Reporting (Updated 9/25/09)
The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA or Recovery Act) requires quarterly reporting by all grantees. For HPRP grantees, quarterly reporting will be completed in two systems, however, duplicative data entry is very minimal. The two reporting systems are: FederalReporting.gov and e-snaps.
Registration for FederalReporting.gov opened on August 17, 2009. The data that HPRP grantees must submit via FederalReporting.gov is identified in the “Recipient Reporting Data Model v.3". All questions regarding FederalReporting.gov should be directed to the FederalReporting.gov Service Desk. Note: HUD has posted guidance for completing FederalReporting.gov on HUD’s Recovery web site at: www.hud.gov/recovery/reporting.
e-snaps registration for HPRP grantees will not begin until mid-September. e-snaps will collect the HPRP Quarterly Performance Report Data Elements (items 35-47). Instructions for completing the QPR, as well as instructions for generating QPR reports in HMIS, are now available. (See Instructions on Initial and Quarterly Performance Reports and HMIS Programming Instructions for QPR.) Additional guidance on registering for e-snaps is forthcoming. In the meantime, questions regarding e-snaps reporting can be submitted to HUD’s Virtual Help Desk. Grantees will be asked to provide a list of all subgrantees as part of the Initial Performance Report (IPR). (The IPR will be a supplement to the first QPR.) See the Subgrantee List Template FINAL for the information that will be required. Finally, the QPR Table Shells provides a sample reporting format. Note that this information will all be reported through e-snaps.
60-Day Public Comment Process Opens for: HPRP Quarterly Performance Report (QPR), Annual Performance Report (APR), Annual Homeless Assessment Report (AHAR)
On July 24th, HUD’s listserv message included erroneous publication dates for 60-day public comment process. HUD apologizes for any confusion the incorrect dates caused our customers. HUD has corrected the dates and re-distributed via listserv the 3 documents that are included in the Paperwork Reduction Act submission as well as links to the Notice published on July 22nd and the Notice published July 24th. These documents are also available at the links below.
The revised HMIS Data Standards will apply to all homeless assistance and homelessness prevention programs administered by the Office of Special Needs Assistance Programs. HUD encourages all CoCs, HMIS administrators, grantees, project sponsors and subgrantees to review the HMIS Data Standards and provide comments to HUD. Changes made to the HMIS Data Standards will be applied to both packages.
Deadline: All comments should be sent to Brett Gagnon (brett.d.gagnon@hud.gov) and copy Lillian Deitzer (Lillian.l.deitzer@hud.gov) no later than September 22, 2009.
- July 22 Notice on Public Comment_APR and Annual Assessment Report
- July 24 Notice on Public Comment_HPRP Quarterly and Annual Performance Reporting
- HMIS Data Standards - July 2009
- HPRP Supporting Statement
- Supporting Statement AHAR & APR
FY 2009 CoC Registration Notice and HUD Broadcast Information
On July 13, 2009, HUD published a Notice that provides detailed instructions on completing the CoC registration process on e-snaps and provides applicants important information about the CoC planning process as well as the major changes that HUD will make to the FY 2009 CoC Homeless Assistance competition. On July 15, 2009 HUD will hold a satellite broadcast to describe the 2009 application process and required registration steps. You may view the Notice and a link to the scheduled webcast below.
(To view the Webcast you may need to download RealPlayer which is available at http://www.hud.gov/webcasts/realinst.cfm.)
4th Annual Homeless Assessment Report and Homelessness Pulse Project Report
On July 9, 2009 HUD issued its 2008 Annual Homeless Assessment Report to Congress, a national study that explores changes in the extent and nature of homelessness nationwide. HUD’s assessment concludes that while overall homelessness in America held fairly steady from 2007 to 2008, the numbers of homeless families seeking shelter have increased.
The significant time required to gather information for the national annual assessment results in a delay in reporting the impact of immediate economic conditions on homelessness. To address this limitation, HUD is launching a new standard of quarterly data reporting that will allow the Department to track real-time changes in homelessness. The first Quarterly Report for the Homelessness Pulse Project focuses on data from nine geographically diverse areas across the country.
You may access the 2008 AHAR, 2008 AHAR Summary, and the Homelessness Pulse Project Report from the links below. If you are interested in locating additional data for specific States or CoCs, please visit the Homelessness Reports section of the HRE.
HPRP Guidance on Data Collection and Reporting for Victim Service Providers
On July 7, 2009 HUD released additional reporting guidance for victim service providers funded by the Homelessness Prevention and Rapid Re-Housing Program (HPRP). This guidance document will assist HPRP grantees, subgrantees and HMIS administering agencies to understand and comply with data collection requirements for domestic violence providers.
United We Serve Initiative
The Corporation for National and Community Service in coordination with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and other federal agencies has launched an exciting new summer service initiative in partnership with the White House. On June 16, in a video message, President Obama officially announced the initiative, United We Serve, encouraging Americans to create meaningful change in their communities by engaging in service.
United We Serve kicked off on June 22 at the National Conference on Volunteering and Service and will run through the new National Day of Service and Remembrance on September 11. All the tools for participating in this initiative can be found on the Corporation’s website, www.serve.gov. Although the initial period ends on September 11, the national service movement will continue its commitment and work long after this date.
Additionally, please review the one page document which provides an overview of the initiative found at the link below:
HPRP Corrections Notice
On June 9, 2009, HUD posted the “Notice of Corrections to the Notice of Allocations, Applications, Application Procedures, and Requirements for Homeless Prevention and Rapid Re-Housing Programs Grantees under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009” (HPRP Notice). Please review these clarifications and corrections carefully as they may impact the planning and delivery of services using HPRP funds in your community. The document describes the following 6 changes that are being made to the HPRP Notice:
1. Provides a corrected timeline for HUD’s review of HPRP Substantial Amendments;
2. Provides authority for grantees to request waivers of certain provisions of the HPRP Notice, and HUD to process those requests;
3. Clarifies that the District of Columbia is classified as a Metropolitan City;
4. Provides a correction stating that housing relocation and stabilization services may only be provided to any program participant for up to 18 months;
5. Extends the time frame in which eligible pre-award costs may be incurred; and
6. Allows for a 90-day grant close-out period for reimbursement of eligible costs incurred within the 3-year grant period.
HPRP Reporting Requirements and HMIS Data Standards
On June 16, 2009 the Office of Management and Budget approved HUD’s Emergency Request regarding initial and quarterly data collection and reporting requirements for the Homelessness Prevention and Rapid Re-Housing Program (HPRP). The approval covers a six-month time frame. HUD will be submitting a request to OMB for three-year approval of HPRP data collection and reporting requirements shortly.
The HPRP data elements required for the HPRP Initial and Quarterly Reports and the revised HMIS data standards that include the HPRP data elements documents are posted below.
- HPRP QPR Data Elements (OMB Approved 6-16-09)
- HMIS Revised Data Standards Revised Notice (Final 6-16-09)
Influenza A H1N1 (Swine Flu) Pandemic Planning for Agencies within Continuums of Care
This document provides interim guidance on pandemic planning to Continuums of Care (CoC) and their homeless service providers (i.e., emergency shelters, transitional and permanent housing providers, etc.) as needed. You may view this document as well as the CDC's "2009 Flu Info Box" links from the listing below.
- Influenza A H1N1 (Swine Flu) Pandemic Planning for Agencies within Continuums of Care
- U.S. Information
- Things You Can Do
- Plan and Prepare
- International Information
2008 CoC Debriefing Broadcast Materials
HUD held a satellite broadcast on Wednesday, April 22, 2009 to provide CoCs with an overview of the 2008 CoC Homeless Assistance Programs competition, to help improve understanding of the scoring process, and to highlight common errors and omissions made by applicants. You may view the 2008 summary report, the presentation slides, and the recorded webcast from the links below:
- 2008 Overall Summary of the Competition Report
- 2008 CoC Debriefing Broadcast Presentation Slides
- View 2008 CoC Debriefing Webcast
HPRP Webcast and Materials Available
HUD held a Webcast on Wednesday, April 8, 2009 from 2:00 – 4:00 PM EDT. The following topics were covered: Program Overview & Intent; Funding; Key Dates; Application & Grant Execution; Eligible Participants & Activities; and Post Award Activities & Reporting Requirements. You may access the Webcast presentation and the Webcast itself from the links below.
Homelessness Prevention and Rapid Re-Housing Program (HPRP) Notice Now Available
On February 17, 2009, President Obama signed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, which includes $1.5 billion for a Homelessness Prevention Fund to be used for homeless prevention and rapid re-housing activities. The Homelessness Prevention and Rapid Re-Housing Program (HPRP) Notice is now available. For more information, and to view the HPRP Notice, please see the HPRP page on the HRE.
American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009: Homelessness Prevention Fund Formula Allocations
On February 17, 2009, President Obama signed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, which includes a $1.5 billion for a Homelessness Prevention Fund to be used for homeless prevention and rapid re-housing activities. These new funds will be distributed based on the formula used for the Emergency Shelter Grants program. HUD will describe the requirements for this new program through a Notice to be published no later than March 19, 2009.
HUD VA Supportive Housing (HUD-VASH) Q and A Chart
The HUD VA Supportive Housing (HUD-VASH) Q and A chart was published to increase understanding of the program and the role that CoCs and their members have taken or may take to address homelessness within the veteran community.
HUD Announces FY 2008 Continuum of Care and FY 2009 Emergency Shelter Grants Awards
Hundreds of thousands of homeless individuals and families will find a stable home and be offered critically needed services as a result of nearly $1.6 billion in homeless assistance announced today by U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Secretary Shaun Donovan. The grants are awarded through HUD’s Continuum of Care programs and will assist approximately 6,300 local homeless assistance projects throughout the U.S., Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. View award information and the HUD News Release using the links below:
HOPWA Oversight and Monitoring Guide
The HOPWA Oversight Guide (Oct. 2008) provides grantees and project sponsors with an understanding of the various federal laws and regulations that govern the use of HOPWA resources, while providing guidance and tools to conduct compliance reviews and identify corrective actions, as needed.
To find items previously posted on "What's New", please visit our What's New Archive page.
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